Pickle lovers will soon be able to savour everything from dill-infused bread to pickle cocktails at a new festival coming to Amherstburg. The inaugural Pickle Me Softly festival will take over the grounds of Wolfhead Distillery on Nov. 1, bringing together approximately 30 vendors, specialty food and drinks, and an afternoon of yacht rock. Festival founder Doug Robbins, also known as Doug the Foodie, said the event builds upon the success of his Tart & Soul Butter Tart Festival — trading something sweet for something savoury. “I’ve heard a million ladies say, ‘I’m a pickle girl.’ People love pickles,” Robbins said. “Whether it’s pickled cucumbers or onions or asparagus or whatever it might be, people love pickles.” Robbins said the festival is a natural fit for the region because of the cucumbers grown throughout Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent. “These cucumbers get harvested into jars of pickles, so where else would be best to have it?” he said. “We grow these in fields everywhere, so we should celebrate them as well.” Organizers are billing Pickle Me Softly as the first festival of its kind in southwestern Ontario. The event will feature vendors selling pickle products and other locally made goods. Live entertainment will lean into the festival’s name with vinyl records and yacht rock music. Wolfhead Distillery is also developing five signature pickle-themed drinks that will only be available during the festival, including pickle Caesars. Its kitchen is working on a selection of themed food items. “What I love is the uniqueness of it,” said Wolfhead marketing director Danielle Moldovan. “There are so many great pickle growers in the area, and I feel that we’re conveniently located for those coming off the 401, those coming from the county and those coming from the city.” While Wolfhead has hosted outdoor events before, including its annual Chili Fest, Moldovan said Pickle Me Softly will introduce a much larger market component. “When we do Chili Fest, we have eight vendors,” she said. “We’ve never done something like this where we’ve had 30 vendors, so it’ll be interesting to see that market element brought to the distillery.” Moldovan said she is especially eager to see how vendors embrace the theme. “I can’t wait to see what the vendors are going to bring,” she said. “I love pickles, so if you have some pickle bread, I will be signed up.” Pickle Me Softly runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 1 at Wolfhead Distillery. Vendor applications open Aug. 18. Interested vendors can contact Robbins through the Doug the Foodie Facebook page or by emailing dougthefoodie@icloud.com
